Pletcher, Larry. Massachusetts disasters; true stories of tragedy and survival.

PLETCHER, Larry. Massachusetts disasters; true stories of tragedy and survival. (Insider's Guide.) Globe Pequot. 228p. illus. bibliog. c2006. 0-7627-3988-6. $13.95. SA

The 21 disasters here are varied and gripping. Shipwrecks from 1861 to 1976 include the Maritania, the Eveline Treat, the City of Columbus, the Andrea Doria, and the Argo Merchant. Railroad disasters are represented by the 1871 Eastern Railroad crash and the Back Bay collision in 1990. The 1872 Boston Great Fire and the Coconut Grove fire 70 years later are recalled in graphic detail, and the less well-known collapses of a Dedham/Boston bridge in 1887 and a Brighton condominium building in 1971 are described clearly. Violent storms include the 1888 blizzard in the central part of the Commonwealth and the 1978 blizzard nearer Boston, the 1938 hurricane in New England and the 1953 Worcester tornado.

Floods are also described, from the Mill River in 1874 to Boston's great molasses flood in 1919, the dam collapse in Becket in 1927 and the Connecticut River in 1936. The Spanish Influenza of 1918 and the U-boat attack on Cape Cod that same year add to the collection. There is a useful map identifying each place by chapter number. Most of the accounts are illustrated, and a useful bibliography indicates extensive use of contemporary newspaper articles. Many of these disasters have interest beyond Massachusetts. In each, the author focuses on valiant efforts to save lives and property. Learning about the work of these true heroes will appeal to many readers. Maureen Griffin, Teacher, English Dept., Notre Dame Virtual School (NDVS.org)

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.